Irma "Jeannie" Nilson

   Irma (Jeannie) Reinking Nilson, 78, passed away with her son by her side on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, in Hawarden, IA, following a brief illness.

   Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, December 9th on the North side of Grace Hill Cemetery, Hawarden IA at 1:00 PM. Under the direction of Porter Funeral Home, with Pastor Stuart Schreur of First Baptist Church officiating. It will be live on Google Duo for a limited number of people. 

   Jeannie was born, May 6, 1942 the daughter of Herbert and Margaret (White) Reinking.

She graduated from Artesia High School in Lakewood, CA in 1960. She married Arden Nilson, July 1960 and the couple settled in rural Hawarden. To this union, one son was born, Todd (Cathy) Nilson, of Merrill IA.

   For many years, Jeannie was a fixture at the Steak House in Hawarden, working as a waitress. She knew virtually everyone in town and the surrounding areas, and always knew how to brighten her customers’ day with her sharp wit and engaging personality.  Later, she served as a production worker at Coilcraft, Inc.  Todd was the apple of Jeannie’s eye. She enjoyed being with her son no matter where their adventures took them – snow skiing, on the golf course, even rode on the back of his motorcycle. She was a spitfire to those who knew her and never met a rule that she could not challenge.

   Following an illness, Jeannie was a resident at Hillcrest Care Center in Hawarden for the past several years. She enjoyed friendships with many residents and was always willing to assist and provide support as needed.

   Jeannie will be greatly missed by her son Todd, daughter-in-law, Cathy; grandchildren, Casey Nilson and her fiancé (Cody Gregg), Elk Point, SD and Spencer Nilson and Trevor Nilson, of Merrill, IA.  She is also survived by sisters, Norma Nilson, Hawarden, Patricia (Reinking) Derfler, Palm Desert, CA, Sue Reinking Miller, Rowland Heights, CA, and a brother, Jimmy Reinking, Banning CA.

   She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Arden, a grandson, Joey Nilson, and brothers, Jerry Reinking, Russell Reinking and a special sister-in-law, Peggy Nilson.

   A special thank you to Hillcrest Health Center and St. Croix Hospice, Spencer IA., for the care and compassion shown during Jeannie’s stay.

    We will abide by CDC and COVID guidelines.   Social distancing and masks will be required.